NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 204, 17 November 1927, Page 17

NEW REGENT

“FAUST” TO-MORROW “Faust,” the U.F.A. masterpiece which has been released in this country and Australia by Cinema Art Films, Ltd., makes its Australasian debut at the New Regent Theatre commencing to-morrow (Friday). In this version of “Faust,” by Goethe, Dr. Faust sells his soul for a single day to the devil just to cure his plague-stricken people. But when he finds out that his sacrifice has been in vain and that his efforts have not been appreciated, he is allowed by the evil one to regain his youth and kidnap Lady Bianca. Tiring of wild youth, his romance with Marguerite then follows, the murder of her brother, the death of her mother, her own disgrace and punishment at the stake, with Faust saving his soul at the very last moment through the power of love. Mr. F. W. Murnau, the director, has handled this supernatural and melodramatic tale with admirable fineness and artistry. When he now and then forsakes sleight-of-camera tricks, so to speak, to concentrate on j the story, one is positively enthralled, swept swiftly in the wake of moods' and absorbing action. Emil Jannings. j the celebrated Continental actor, has 1 everything his own way as Mephisto, j the evil spirit. He leers at mankind, j delighted with his super powers. He even gives Dame Martha, excellently portrayed by the distinguished French chanteuse, Yvette Guilbert, a love potion and thrills her by flirting with her. Gosta Ekman gives a sterling delineation of Faust, as the white-haired, white-bearded, stooped pedant, and as the passionate love-seeking youth. Miss Camilla Horne, a newcomer to New Zealand audiences, makes a beautiful Marguerite and portrays most vividly the girl’s conflicting desires, afraid to love and yet eager to be loved. Mr. Maurice Guttridge has arranged a most unusual musical setting for this attraction and according to his own personal statement is of the opinion that never before had so much time and pains have been taken to fit “a ■ picture musically.” Fred Curran, the noted English j comedian, who has -the reputation of being one of the finest judges in England of comedy songs, will make his ■ first armearance at the New Regent to-morrow.